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Mining the Facts About Quartz Countertops
If your New Year’s resolution includes a dream kitchen in 2018, you’ve probably been researching the pros and cons of different countertop materials. To help you through the selection process, we’ve got some helpful information about quartz – a surface known for being durable, low-maintenance and available in a wide variety of colors.
Behind the Counters
Behind the Counters
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth’s continental crust. The composition of the commercial product is 93 percent pulverized quartz and 7 percent resin. Marketed under various trade names, including Corian®, Caesarstone® and Silestone®, this material is less prone to dents and chips than stone, and also impervious to odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and most stains. A huge benefit is that you will never have to seal it.
Don’t Cry Over Spills
Quartz generally requires less maintenance than granite or marble; however, routine care is important to keep them looking good. While this surface is known to resist many stains like coffee, tea and wine, it is a good rule of thumb to wipe up spills before they dry and harden. Older spills can usually be cleaned with warm, soapy water. For more difficult issues like hardened gum, dried paint or nail polish, use a plastic scraper or plastic putty knife to loosen the residue before cleaning with a sponge. Every three months or so, your quartz countertops will need a good cleaning. Spray thoroughly with glass cleaner and let stand. After 15 minutes, thoroughly wipe the area down with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.
Don’t Cry Over Spills
Keep it Beautiful
Keep it Beautiful
While quartz surfaces are relatively easy to care for, here are a few things that you should remember to keep your countertops looking great:
- Avoid using scouring pads, steel wool or metal scrapers as it will dull the sheen.
- Never allow concentrated bleach, oven cleaner, drain cleaner, turpentine or nail polish remover to come in contact with your quartz countertops. If any of these substances should accidentally spill, thoroughly rinse the exposed area immediately with water.
- Quartz may be tough, but it’s not invincible. Save your countertops – and your sharp knives – by using a cutting board when chopping and slicing.
- Invest in a good supply of hot pads and trivets. Quartz is heat- and scorch-resistant, but temperatures over 300°F can melt the resin.
Quartz countertops are a great option for kitchens and bathrooms if you want a solid surface that is easy to maintain and easy on the eyes.
